The 677C > T polymorphism of the MTHFR gene, resulting in hyperhomocysteinemia, has been shown to be implicated in the aetiology of schizophrenia. Previous studies showed that A1298 C polymorphism seems not to be related to schizophrenia.
Aim of the study: To analyze two genetic polymorphisms of the MTHFR gene, 677C > T and A1298 C in 44 patients with schizophrenia and evaluate its relationship with the risk of schizophrenia and with some clinical aspects.
Material and method: We determined the presence of the 677C > T and A1298 C mutations of the MTHFR gene in 44 inpatients with schizophrenia and in 35 normal controls. The patients were assessed by psychiatric examination and scalar evaluation.
Results: 28 (66,7%) of the patient group had the T allele of the 677C > T genetic polymorphism, compared to 11 (34,3%) subjects of the control group. The intensity of the positive, negative and general symptoms was slightly higher in the patients presenting the T allele. The A1298C missense mutation was more frequent between control subjects (57,5%) compared to the patient group (39%). The intensity of the positive symptoms was slightly increased in the patients with the missense mutation in the position 1298, but the intensity of the negative and general symptoms did not differ.
Conclusions: Our study confirms the role of the 677C > T genetic polymorphism in the susceptibility for schizophrenia. The relationship between A1298C genetic polymorphism and schizophrenia was not demonstrated in our study.